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In 2018, Twitter user M. Molly Backes used the term "an impossible task" to describe how it feels when a seemingly mundane thing becomes overwhelming, no matter how simple it should theoretically be.

3 days ago, Redditor u/WinstonChurchillin decided to revisit this idea with a new spin. In a post on r/AskReddit, they asked, "What makes you nervous no matter how many times you do it?" And it went viral. Turns out, impossible tasks are pretty universal!

From walking behind a woman on a quiet street to going on job interviews, here are some of the most popular answers.

#1

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It When my boss goes 'can we just have a quick chat?'

zagreus9 , Roland Samuel Report

Dr. Tamar Chansky, who is a licensed psychologist and the Founder of the Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety in Plymouth Meeting, PA, told Bored Panda that anxiety is a universal human experience. "We all have the capacity to feel fear, stress, and anxiety, and we all do," Dr. Chansky said.

But the source of these emotions can vary from person to person. "Individual differences come up with our thresholds for anxiety and also for the content of anxiety. A person stresses about interpersonal relationships but may have no fear about rock climbing or bungee jumping. Another may have no trouble swimming in the middle of the ocean, but gets stressed about deadlines or jumps at a spider," the psychologist explained.

#2

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Walking out of a store without buying anything!

KillerJupe , Fikri Rasyid Report

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Joe Christea
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At some stores when you buy nothing you still need to actually go through one of the check outs to get out the exit door!

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#3

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Driving in between two semi trucks on the freeway. Bonus points if one or both is carrying a bunch of logs.

princess_mediocrity , Caleb Ruiter Report

The author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety and Freeing Yourself from Anxiety said, "Genetics plays a part in setting our anxiety thresholds as to what we react to and how strongly, but our experiences can as well."

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Someone who has lived in protracted stressful situations can become much more reactive to even minor stressful situations. "People who have survived traumatic experiences and the like, their nervous system is primed for threat, and reminders of the traumatic event or other stressful situations can trigger what feels like uncontrollable anxious reactions — before they can even think or realize what is happening," Dr. Chansky said.

"Fortunately, anxiety disorders are the most treatable psychiatric condition, so please talk to your doctor, or find resources and information, including on my website TamarChansky.com and adaa.org."

#4

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It At meetings when they say, “Ok, everyone, let’s go around the room and introduce yourself.” Even worse when they require stupid things like, “Include your favorite food and why you like it” or “Tell us why you’re here.” Uhhh…because it’s mandatory?

DareWright , Dylan Gillis Report

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Friday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m an introvert and I absolutely loathe environments like this. Why am I here? Because you sent the meeting request ffs

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#5

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Trying to mingle/start conversations in social settings where I don't know anybody.

leroystrong32 , Brooke Cagle Report

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jamie1707
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here, but what makes it worse is when you try to start a convo and you are totally ignored.

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Yoga Kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate going to parties where I most likely only know the host. I am single which means I always show up all by myself. As the host is most likely busy all the time I then have to wedge myself into other groups of guests who already know each other and speak about people or events I do not know. I would rather invite the birthday boy or girl for a nice meal among ourselves instead of going to their party...

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This exact thing happened to me and my introverted brain went crazy the second the only one I knew vanished

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Tiny Dog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Compliment their shoes/handbag/shirt/jacket and ask where they got it. It’s easier to start a conversation with someone when you’re asking them to tell a story all about them.

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently went to a party where I sat by myself most of the time coz I didn't want to hang off my hubby the whole night and the only other people I knew was the birthday girl and her partner. I am uncomfortable in social situations where I don't really know anyone and tend to keep to myself.

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Mishte Tine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww, Foxxy (The Original) - I’m sorry! That feels awful… if you could have done so without seeming rude, you could have logged on here where I know you have friends! When I’m in a situation like that (I never am anymore) I start asking questions or do something that someone might engage with… look at something on the wall, go outside, ask someone if they want to go outside, start washing dirty stuff…. It’s hard. I hope it ended well for you.

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Easily Excitable Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Icebreaker question: Stare at one person deeply and say, "Didn't we share a cell in county?"

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Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an introvert with anxiety, this is as bad as those dreams you have where you're on the bus and not wearing any clothes.

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Moezarella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is especially dreaded. I hate feeling out of place or unneeded

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Heather Hayllar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree but I don't know what other introverts do. I went into the kitchen in search of solitary work! But they all end up coming to the kitchen and talking anyway!

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Robert Robi Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I simply don't. Why should I mingle with or talk to the people I don't know?

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Tim Douglass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some reason this has gotten harder and harder for me as I've gotten older. In my 20s and 30s it was a cinch, now, in my 60s, I'm a wall-hugger.

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DonS
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I start with a magic trick... I'm gonna make myself disappear by fusing with the decor.

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Leslie Burleson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep in mind that almost everyone feels that way in the same situation. Try making a joke about the awkwardness. That's usually a good ice breaker . Laugh if you accidentally stumble with your words or do something awkward . It's ok to make mistakes . You think way more of it than the person you imagine you've embarrassed yourself in front of

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Start with saying something nice (whatever someone is wearing, great weather, glad to be here) and ask their name. Everyone wants to talk about themselves . . . let them!

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lara
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a friend, my absolute best friend, who is Canadian. When we travel together I absolutely love talking to random people, you know in line, waiting somewhere, next to you on the train. If they don't want to, that's fine, but I love meeting people and I find them all interesting. Anyway, as she is Canadian she is reserved, very reserved. And it embarrasses her when I do that. We were on the train going to Rome from Venice and there was a couple who had the seats across from us. My friend was gone for a minute or so and I started talking to them, ohmygawd, it was so interesting AND I found out that they actually owned a home not more than 3 miles from my friend in California. Anyway, I said "don't tell her I talked to you when she comes back." So my friend comes back and the first thing they said was "she didn't talk to us." It was a great trip.

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm an introvert and once went to a friend's birthday party and he was the only one I knew that was there and the moment he dissapeared I was like mom come pick me up I'm scared

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TK 421
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lean in and whisper, “Are you planning to rob the place?” Real conversation starter.

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Mimi M
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't put myself in those situations. Whenever I have been (not often), I find the other person hanging on the sidelines or hiding somewhere and start talking to them.

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Prilsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trick is looking like you're bored and unimpressed by what's going on, people will soon try to include you in their conversations

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Bored Birgit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had evenings without saying a single word, a bit creepy I think. But I am introverted.

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Claudia Dugral
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only go if I can make myself useful. Doing dishes pouring drinks. Pretend I am "Staff".

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yeah I’m with you on this one I’ll be sitting in the back biting my fingernails

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Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it is a social setting why are you there when you know no one?

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Daria B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bonus points if they don't speak a common language. Such an awkward situation. I mean, I'm indeed the silent one in the corner, passively participating in the conversation, like, more listening and reflecting about the topic, less of active contribution. But I was in situations when I was in groups of people who do speak my language, but when I was the only ome who doesn't speak theirs, they would naturally speak amongst themselves, and I would just be there like "... ... ..." Sitting there doing nothing felt like a waste of time, leaving them felt rude even if I'd politely excuse myself, taking out my phone to entertain myself felt like bad manners.... u.u

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Joe Christea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I start feeling antisocial when this happens which makes me feel even more uncomfortable!

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However, if you relate to the people on this list and also freak out in everyday situations, don't beat yourself up over it. "While we might think that we can get used to things that make us anxious — and we can, and we do — that's not necessarily how it always happens," Dr. Chansky highlighted. "There is a 'sweet spot' for overcoming anxiety. The anxiety level has to be not too high (or too low) and then we can learn to see that the situation is manageable and control our reactions, actually 'right size' them and bring that experience into our comfort zone."

The psychologist suggests thinking about it like this: if a person who is afraid of dogs is exposed over and over again to a big, loud dog, they are going to get more and more anxious with each confrontation. But on the other hand, if they are exposed to a little dog, or even a sleeping dog (maybe even pictures of dogs), their nervous system will learn, through experience, that they are safe and won't have a disproportionate reaction. Eventually, the category of 'dog' will change in their mind through gradual exposure and the fear will diminish.

But sometimes our inner demons can get the best of us. Especially now. In a review of 215 studies exploring the ways Covid-19 affects the brain and mental health, the researchers found very high numbers of patients reporting symptoms of mental health issues like depression (23%) and anxiety (16%). "Even though it's expected, anxiety has spiked in the pandemic," Dr. Chansky added. If you feel like you can't manage, please seek help and support. You can start by learning new strategies for managing worry and anxiety, and can find them here.

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#7

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Drive in front of a police officer when I have no reason to be nervous.

DapperCam , Anmol Teja Report

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Repel
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has to be an American thing. Here in the Netherlands I am more often annoyed at a police car passing me at 5 km over the speed limit. Feel like reporting them to their boss :-0

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#8

Standing up for myself. Not sure if it's how I was raised or lingering PTSD from a violent childhood event or whatever but my adrenaline immediately spikes expecting a confrontation, even when just politely asking someone not to speak me in a certain tone or whatever.

Every damn time

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#9

Let’s break ourselves into small groups and…

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Vorknkx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and have one person per group do all the work whil the others giggle ;)

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#11

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Answering the door. Sometimes I just don’t.

cannabisandcocktails , Mel Elías Report

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Softsquatch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its a millenial/gen z thing. most of my friends whatsapp me to say they're outside instead of knocking. tf

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#13

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Walking over a storm drain with my keys in my hand

Groovy_Chainsaw , Andreea Popa Report

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Vasana Phong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just walking over it period, always think with my luck I’ll fall right through

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#14

Approaching a green light that has been green too long but you are getting to the distance where you don't know whether or not you should stop or if you can stop

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It doesn't make me nervous but there is a real "will it, wont it".

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#15

Job interviews.

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Vorknkx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interviews aren't so bad, but there are a few questions that really tick me off. Like "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" I don't even know if I'll still be alive in 5 years, anything can happen...

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#17

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Merging onto a busy highway

WhoRunTheWorld_Dogs , Nikola Markelov Report

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Bardhi's Dad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I hate that, I really do! Even I try to keep calm now I'm in the sixth decade of my life

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#18

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It When my someone says to me "can I be honest with you?"

No, lie to me, please!

Worldly_Ambition_509 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have responded "no" to this before. Boundaries are good. Sometimes I don't have the energy for someone's honesty at the moments. Maybe later. But in that exact moment, no. I've even followed up with, "Please lie to me." It's a great sentence to lighten the mood and people will tone down their brutal honesty.

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#19

Using an (I think) aluminum measuring tape but especially when clicking the button to make it roll back into its case. At the speed it recoils, I’m scared the tape will slice my hand right open.

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're nervous, know you can always help feed it back in. If you hold onto the tape with your other hand, you can slow it down considerably.

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#20

Finding a tick on my body....

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#21

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Calling someone on the phone. I'm a fairly outgoing person and I love talking to people, but I rely a lot on seeing a person's face and observing their body language, which isn't possible on the phone. Voicemails are less terrible, but I still panic a little because if I mess up while leaving a message, the other person has a freaking recording of me being really awkward. I'm so thankful texting exists.

smugmisswoodhouse , Marília Castelli Report

#22

Public speaking

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Verena Gitterle
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have learned that when you first confess to the people that you are nervous, you have won them over a bit and they will laugh or smile and help you get over your fears!

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#23

The dentist, no matter how many times I go there it's always stressful

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm also terrified but it's very important to find the right doctor!the last years i have a great one and the procedure is a lot less stressful

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#24

Starting a new job, because I can't stand the first few weeks where I don't know what I'm doing. But I love walking into a job after 6 months or so when I might as well own the place cause they can't operate without me!

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#25

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Going into small businesses that I haven't been in before

plscallmeRain , Mike Petrucci Report

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Joe Christea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sucks because you'll get the "may I help you sir?", you'll say "just browsing", then you might not find anything to buy and feel ashamed for walking out empty handed!

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#27

Coming out of my room when guests are visiting.

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#28

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Climbing a ladder

wert38 , Ethan Johnson Report

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Joe Christea
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Climbing the ladder to stand on the roof is the easy part! Getting back on the ladder backwards and coming down without killing yourself is the terrifying part!

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#29

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Using my table saw. Even though I am a Carpenter.

jakobrivers , Samantha Fortney Report

#30

Cutting my infants fingernails.

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg yes, I accidentally clipped my daughters finger when she was a baby coz she moved just as I went to clip the nail. I cried more than she did coz I felt so awful.

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#31

Coming face to face with people in my apartment building. After being in lockdown and working from home I’ve become covid stupid. I’m not able to even get out a hello.

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#32

Flirt, ask someone out.

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Linus Nilsson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You see someone you like, you meet, start talking, you build an interest in the person, start interpreting the small signals, build up your courage, ask him/her out and they say no... The mental stake is high, and you lost. It will take a while to rebuild your bank. Of course it's scary!

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#33

Going to local bars when I’m not a local lol. Those mfs can like smell you’re not from there even if you live the town over. They all stare at you like you’re an outside who needs to leave. So strange.

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I LOVE big cities. Anonymity wherever you go. And if you make a fool of yourself at the bar 1) it's unlikely anyone will remember & 2) if it was really that bad, there's 100 more bars within walking distance. Try one of those instead.

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#34

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Walking behind a woman on a quiet street.

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LottieH
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you feel nervous walking behind a woman on a quiet street then imagine how she is feeling, stop and wait a few minutes or cross the road. Give her a bit of space and you will both feel better about it.

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#35

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Killing a spider

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